SIP Proxy Signaling Trace Collection via Response Message Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IMS networks, the increased number of SIP proxies that SIP sessions traverse due to IMS roaming and interconnects leads to extensive post-processing requirements for collecting and assembling trace records, necessitating elaborate bookkeeping and a dedicated server for analyzing signaling information.
Innovation Solution
A method where nodes in a packet switched network send and receive request and response messages directly to collect and add signaling information, eliminating the need for a dedicated debug server by performing bookkeeping while routing messages through multiple nodes, allowing for direct collection and assembly of signaling information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If trace records are collected from multiple SIP proxies via a dedicated debug server, then signaling information can be assembled for session analysis, but the system complexity increases and extensive post-processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trace record collection function from the dedicated debug server and integrates it directly into the SIP proxies themselves. Each proxy collects and includes its own trace records in the response message, eliminating the need for a centralized collection mechanism and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIP proxies perform self-service by automatically collecting their own trace records and embedding them in the response messages they generate. This eliminates the need for external debug servers to perform bookkeeping and assembly operations, as each node independently manages its own tracing functionality.
2Loss of information
If a dedicated debug server is used to assemble trace records, then complete signaling information is obtained, but the post-processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trace records are collected and assembled in advance during the normal SIP message routing process, rather than being processed afterward. The response message carries the trace information from the first proxy through the network, making the information available immediately without requiring separate post-processing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIP proxies traverse the network for roaming and interconnect, then network coverage and service capability improve, but the number of trace records requiring assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The response message serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries the SIP protocol response, includes trace records from the first proxy, and transports this combined information through the network to the client. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate trace collection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the trace record data with the SIP response message itself, combining what were previously separate entities (trace records and signaling messages) into a single integrated structure. This reduces the complexity of handling and assembling trace information from multiple proxies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for a first node obtaining signalling information in a packet switched network. The method comprises the steps of the first node sending a first request message comprising a first request for collecting signalling information towards a second node comprised by the packet switched network; the first node receiving a first response message, the first response message comprising a signalling information added by the second node and the signalling information collected by the second node in response to the first request message.